True North Sports & Entertainment, in conjunction with the National Hockey League, is pleased to announce the NHL Board of Governors today approved the sale of the Atlanta Thrashers to True North Sports & Entertainment and approved the immediate relocation of the franchise to Winnipeg, MB.

The NHL also confirmed today that due to concerns relating to the timely release of the 2011-12 regular-season schedule, and to allow sufficient opportunity for discussion and effectuation of planned divisional realignment for the 2012-13 season, the Winnipeg franchise will compete next season in the Southeast Division – joining Carolina, Florida, Tampa Bay, and Washington.

“We are very honored by the NHL Board of Governors unanimous decision today,” said Mark Chipman, Chairman of the Board, True North Sports & Entertainment. “We know that the fans of this province have an appetite for NHL hockey that is rivaled by few in the league and intend to work very hard to make Manitobans proud of our franchise for years to come.”